Isaiah Chapter Three

So after another day of feeling sick, sleeping, catching up on online lectures, dropping a unit of study and baking chocolate cookies... its finally time for me to sit down with my bible.
The headings consist of - 'Judgement against Judah' and 'A warning for Jerusalem's Women'
I'm guessing that the Judgement outlined in Chapter Two is being extended here in chapter 3.

Judgement against Judah
The first paragraph I find here (3 verses 1 - 5) seems to be a changing of order. GOD ACTS - he gets rid of the food and water supplies - two vital things for human life! Then he destroys the leaders of the nations - people who are often looked up to and trusted to keep the peace and provide safety for the citizens. Then God appoints children. Here's something fundamental about children compared to adults. A lack of knowledge and life skills. I'm not sure if it means God will appoint actual physical children or if he is appointing people who act like children. People who are not equipped to lead a nation, people who don't have the skills or knowledge of what it means to lead a nation. (verse 4 - 'anarchy will prevail)
In verse five it seems that no one will respect each other, everyone will be out for their own interests and there will be no order. Almost like the survival of the fittest. Seems a bit like how we live today don't you think?
I like verses 6 and 7. The fact that someone who has a cloak is asked to rule is amusing to me. I'm guessing that the idea of a cloak is big for this prophecy. It kind of shows how people will have nothing, everything is in "ruins" so asking someone who has a cloak to rule is interesting. I'm guessing that in this scene being able to keep a cloak means you are a thoughtful person, who is able to conserve things that are needed - cloaks for warmth etc... they think ahead. Compared to the "childish" leaders someone with a cloak must look admirable and capable. The only problems is that this person only has one cloak, they have only cared for them self; they are lacking the capacity to help or look after anyone else. How can a person lead a nation if all they have is a cloak on there back?
Verses 8 and 9 form another little paragraph for me. The theme of this is the open sin and unashamed way that the people are acting against God. Their cities are in ruins and their relationships are in ruins and they openly defy God. They bring about their own destruction!
10 and 11 - contrast what life will be like for those who follow the Lord compared to those who won't. Those who follow God and are Godly will receive a reward. Imagine being rewarded by the biggest God! The most powerful being in the Universe! However those who don't follow the Lord and don't seek to be Godly in this passage will be punished.
Verse 12 - It kind of stands out on its own and links back into the beginning of the section. The leaders of the nation - women and children. The bible is very clear on the roles of Men, Women and Children. In this time Men were the one who were educated so I can understand why it says that women shouldn't rule here. How can someone who is uneducated rule and lead a people to prosperity. It was a very different time to what we experience now (however I will leave my opinions on Women's roles in this time to another post). I enjoy the image of a pretty garden path here. The contrast between the pretty and the destruction that awaits. What looks pleasing now and what looks like a good idea doesn't always end up being so. This is one of those times.
Verses 13 - 15 -> A scene involving the Lord. A court room scene, a place of judgement and trial. The order of Judgement is set - the leaders of the people. The leaders who are supposed to lead the people in the ways of the Lord. A people set apart to follow God especially. These leaders have taken advantage and led the people astray. They have not followed the Lord and it seems only right and just that they be judged first.

A Warning for Jerusalem's Women
Its interesting here the way that the women are judged next. Their actions show their priorities surely! They view themselves as first and most important. Their appearance is what is most important and gaining the affections of men is part of that. The plague of scabs and baldness is interesting. It changes their physical appearance to something unpleasant. God takes away all their jewels and fine clothing and perfumes. They will smell, wear ropes and their hair will fall out. Sackcloth is mentioned as the new dress. Sackcloth was warn in times of mourning and grief. Only fitting here. I wonder if they will be grieving not only their lost beauty but their choices to turn from the Lord. Only shame will be left to them (verse 24).
Lastly it says that the men will die in battle, the city will be in mourning and weak.

A reflection: Having never looked at these passages before I find myself linking the scenes to today's world. Our leaders (in Australia particularly) spend a great deal of time bickering like children, looking out for their self interests. And the actions of people are selfish. We however don't live in such a desperate time as this prophecy of Jerusalem shows. However I am struck with the depiction of the dress and attitudes of the women of Jerusalem. I can see this as a priority of the women in today age. Being a 20 year old woman myself I do fall prey to this sort of thought. Beauty and appearance are very important to women these days and is often the first thing we are judged on. And not just by men but other women. This passage is a good reminder to me to follow the ways of the Lord and not worship clothing and make-up. Not to want the eyes of men to fall on me for my body but to fall on me for my heart for the Lord.

To strive for the Lord is my goal and this passage is a good reminder of what will happen if I don't.

In God I trust!